Gait analysis

Gait analysis can provide an orthotist with a detailed understanding of how your body works during walking or running. This ensures that we prescribe the most appropriate intervention for you. This might include a bespoke orthotic device, a course of physiotherapy, personal training or a combination of these. Our experienced orthotists are trained in motion analysis and biomechanics to make acute and insightful observations and will discuss these with you in detail.

Pre gait analysis assessment

At the start of your appointment, we discuss why you have decided to see an orthotist, and whether you are currently experiencing any issues. Your orthotist will ask you about your lifestyle and any relevant medical background so that they understand where you would like to see an improvement and what outcomes are the most important for you.

Gait analysis

After the pre assessment, your orthotist will make use of specialist dedicated software and equipment to undertake an observational gait analysis assessment. You will be asked to walk in a particular direction and depending on your individual case an orthotist might make use of motion capture based software, record intervals of time or take some measurements of specific lengths and distances.

Physical analysis

Your orthotist will also carry out a physical assessment of one or more limbs, joints or specific regions of the body. They may palpate specific muscles and test their strength, observe specific motions at particular joints and determine the positions of bones and muscles within your body. When coupled with the observations from analysing gait, orthotists can gain a comprehensive picture of your physiology and use this to determine possible causes for pain, discomfort or limitations of movement.

Results

Your orthotist will take time to explain their findings with you and make recommendations regarding the most suitable solutions. You will be able to watch back any videos that have been recorded and measurements and their meanings can be discussed. We can also provide a written report providing details of the assessment for you or a third party.

Measurements

After discussing the result of the assessment with you, your orthotist may make measurements or produce a cast or scan to allow us to produce a bespoke device. They might also refer you on to other members of our multidisciplinary team if this is something that you could benefit from.

Fitting

You will be invited back for a fitting appointment to ensure that any devices fit precisely and to make any alterations, should they be required. This makes sure that once you start to wear your orthosis you can be confident of the benefits.

Review

After receiving your device, you will be invited to return for a review appointment. Here, your orthotist will carry out additional gait analysis and assessment to determine the success of the device and share this information with you. They will ask questions to establish if there are any modifications which have the potential further improve the orthotic provision we have supplied.

Reports

A gait analysis assessment is suitable for compiling reports for case managers and solicitors, insurers and other health professionals and third parties. We can arrange for them to be compiled by multiple members of our multi disciplinary team simultaneously for convenience.

Other clinicians

If you are a clinician and would like to come in with your patient to take part in the gait analysis assessment then we welcome you to do so. We are happy to discuss any queries, and can take part in joint home visits. Please contact Leeds Orthotics for more information.

Who is a gait analysis assessment for?

Gait analysis appointments are useful in a variety of cases:

Anyone who has more complex, or long standing gait related needs and would benefit from a more in depth assessment than standard.

To arrange an appointment call Leeds Orthotics now on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@leedsorthotics.co.uk